'We are the most vulnerable population': Inside a COVID-19 hospital in Bhagalpur, India, where beds are full and resources scarce
The guards are there to protect him from the relatives of patients, including those suffering from COVID-19. The relatives keep barging into the wards, even the ICU, to stroke and feed their loved ones, often without wearing even the flimsiest of masks as barriers against the novel coronavirus.Armed security personnel stand guard as Dr. Gaurav talks to colleagues.
Now, with some doctors struck down by the coronavirus and others refusing to work, he has been named the top official at the hospital, despite being one of its most junior consultants – and suffering from diabetes and hypertension, two risk factors for severe COVID-19.“A lot of my colleagues refused,” he says. “I had to take up the responsibility.”
Interviews with dozens of staff, patients and relatives at the hospital paint a picture of conditions that might shock those accustomed to images of hermetically sealed ICUs during the pandemic, with relatives not even allowed to touch their dying loved ones. Bihar is India’s third-most-populous state; if it were a country, it would be the 14th-most-populous in the world.
There have been around 87,000 cases of coronavirus in the state and 465 deaths – relatively small compared to other states. Given the low testing levels in the state, the numbers may be conservative. Still, Bihar’s healthcare system is already close to breaking point, unlike places such as New Delhi, which has had many more cases but enjoys better resources.
Rising floodwaters approach the testing and isolation ward for suspected coronavirus patients at the primary health centre at Ismailpur. On the approach road to the hospital, there is a huge pothole, and vehicles carrying patients often get stuck there. Outside the main doors, relatives sit with the bodies of their loved ones waiting for private ambulances to take them for burial or cremation.A woman leans against a stretcher holding her husband in the corridor of the emergency ward.
“If I stand in front of a COVID patient for two minutes, and I see 20 patients, I have exposure for 40 minutes,” he says.Complaints from junior doctors are constant. During one meeting about a lack of medicines, Kumar promises them he will convince the government that more resources are needed. He later admits it will be difficult.
Kumar watched cases in the district slowly rise over a number of months, but the call to take over the running of the hospital last month came suddenly. The previous hospital superintendent had tested positive for the virus, and to Kumar’s surprise, he says some of the more senior doctors refused the post.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Airbnb Offers Sleepover at the Last BlockbusterAirbnb is offering sleepovers at the world’s last Blockbuster store in Bend, Ore. On Aug. 17 at 1 p.m. PT, movie lovers can request to book a one-night stay from Sept. 18 through 20. Reservations a…
Read more »
You Can Have A Sleepover At The Last Blockbuster On Earth For Four Dollars*Dusts off Blockbuster card*
Read more »
Blockbuster is renting out its last location in the world on Airbnb - Business InsiderBusiness Insider is a fast-growing business site with deep financial, media, tech, and other industry verticals. Launched in 2007, the site is now the largest business news site on the web.
Read more »
Lebanon economy minister says has flour to last four monthsLebanon has 32,000 tonnes of flour in addition to 110,000 tonnes that has arrived or will arrive in the coming two weeks, the economy minister said on Wednesday.
Read more »
Blockbuster is renting out its last location in the world on Airbnb - Business InsiderBusiness Insider is a fast-growing business site with deep financial, media, tech, and other industry verticals. Launched in 2007, the site is now the largest business news site on the web.
Read more »
Airbnb Rents Out World’s Last Blockbuster Store As One-Night Vacation SpotAirbnb will offer a one-of-a-kind vacation spot with its latest rental listing: the world’s last Blockbuster store in Bend, Oregon. “Dust off those membership cards for a sleepover insi…
Read more »